Cape Canary Beech
Polyalthia australis

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A tree with a bushy growth pattern. It grows 8-16 m high and spreads 5-10 m wide. The branches are horizontal. The leaves are alternate and glossy. They are oval and 8-20 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. They often have wavy margins. New leaves are copper coloured. The leaf stalk is 1 cm long. The flowers occur in the axils of fallen leaves generally on old wood. The flowers are green with 5-6 long narrow petals. The fruit are in clusters of 20. They are oblong and fleshy. Fruit are 2.5 cm long. The fruit are orange but become deep red or brown when ripe. There is one seed which is 1.5-2 cm long. It is cream.

There are about 120 Polyalthia species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in monsoon vine forests. It often grows along streams. It grows from sea level to 300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed.

The fruit are generally collected off the ground after they have fallen.

Its other names

Local names

Northern Territory polyalthia

Synonyms

Polyanthia holtzeana F.Muell.; Popowia australis Benth.;